The ban will be in effect till March 29, 2027
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : Heavy and oversized vehicles have been banned from a key stretch of State Highway 216, between Khuldabad junction and Ellora, for six months to allow underpass construction in front of the Ghrishneshwar Temple at Ellora. The ban takes effect on Tuesday and will remain in force until midnight on March 29, 2027. It applies specifically to heavy and oversized vehicles plying on the SH-216 segment between Khuldabad junction and Ellora.
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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural superintendent of police Prakash Jadhav said the diversions had been planned to ensure smooth movement of traffic and avoid accidents during the construction period. “Heavy vehicle operators should use the designated alternative routes during the restriction period and cooperate with the police in maintaining smooth traffic movement,” he said. Echoing similar views, traffic inspector Anand Zote said, “Considering the fact that the work is being carried out in the vicinity of the two key monuments — Ghrishneshwar temple and Ellora caves, the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) is one of the key stakeholders.
Authorities ordered the diversion to enable excavation and structural work for the temple underpass, warning that continued movement of heavy vehicles on this stretch during construction could create safety hazards and worsen traffic congestion. The traffic diversion has been done to ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the ASI norms. As per the traffic arrangements, heavy vehicles travelling from Kannad towards Ellora caves, Khuldabad, Daulatabad and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will be diverted via Kasabkheda Phata, Varsadi, Maliwada, Sharanapur Phata and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Heavy vehicles travelling from Phulambri towards Khuldabad, Ellora and Kannad will be diverted via Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sharanapur Phata, Maliwada, Varsadi, Kasabkheda Phata and Ellora before proceeding towards Kannad and Chalisgaon. Vehicles travelling from Kannad and Chalisgaon towards Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will take the Ellora-Kasabkheda Phata-Varsadi-Maliwada-Sharanapur Phata route. The restriction applies only to heavy and oversized vehicles. Light vehicles carrying devotees to Ghrishneshwar temple and Khuldabad may travel up to Mahavir Chowk in Ellora before proceeding towards Khuldabad, Daulatabad and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Light vehicles returning from Ellora towards Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar can use the Ellora-Kasabkheda Phata route. Rural police have appealed to the motorists to follow the traffic regulations and use the designated alternative routes throughout the construction period. Download the TOI App.